William Chambers

Name: Visitation
Start: 02/21/2025 09:30 AM
End: 02/21/2025 10:30 AM
Location: Delehanty Funeral Home

September 26, 1937 — February 13, 2025

William Chambers of Loves Park, IL, passed away on Thursday morning February 13, 2025, at the age of 87, in his home. Bill was born on September 26, 1937, in Bakersfield, CA. He was the son of William Baron and Evelyn (Harris) Chambers. After his mother's untimely passing Bill's father, William Baron Chambers, and stepmother, Hazel L. Chambers, welcomed Bill’s brother, Gary (Linda) Chambers and his sister, Pat (Larry) Heese. In his youth, Bill attended Scotia-Glenville High School. Where he participated on the Tiger's Football and Basketball teams for three years, until he graduated in 1955. After high school, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1956, where he would spend the next 21 years serving. During his time as a telecommunications operator for the military, Skip served three years in Germany. Four years under the National Security Agency in Washington DC, afterwards two years in Turkey, then a year in Thailand, followed by a year in the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. Skip ended his career in 1977 with the U.S. Air Force at Offutt Air Base in Nebraska. During that time William had been married to Wanda R. (Dean) Chambers, with whom he welcomed Connie L. (Timothy) Spurlin, Vicki M. Rodriguez and Sharon K. Chambers. Bill then welcomed his niece and nephew, Traci and Todd Chambers, as well as his grandson, Nathan, who he reconnected with later on in life and with whom he had a very special bond with. William and Wanda spent much of their life together until her untimely passing. Later in life Bill had the joy of meeting the love of his life Phyllis J. (Fisher) Chambers. They were married on September 26, 1998, where Bill welcomed a whole new family to his life. Sharing in the love Phyllis had for her six children, Mike (Jayne) Papini, Kim (Charles) Dorsett, Al Papini, Ted (Jeannie) Papini, Tom (Connie) Papini, and Misty Dublin. Throughout the years together Phyllis and Bill spoiled their grandchildren, Christen (Kyle), Melissa (Patrick), Holli, Heidi, Logan (Domi), Alexis (Jordan, Sr.), Alex (Jamie), Addy, and Payton (Elliana). They also had the joy of embracing several great-grandchildren, Karen, Chance, Brendan, Kylie, Anna, Braylen, Briella, JJ, and Ariya; great-great-grandchildren, Oliver and Tilly. To his youngest great-grandchildren, he had the honor bestowed upon him with the title “Pop pop”. Outside of his time spent with loved ones, Bill was employed by Allied Signal and West Telecommunications where he spent the remainder of his career until his long-anticipated retirement. Throughout Bill’s remaining years he was content to spend his time assembling model airplanes, reading and watching films on history and numerous war documentaries. He enjoyed watching westerns with his wife and bird watching. Together they attended several military reenactments, including the Midway Village World War II Reenactment. Bill also enjoyed many lengthy visits and phone calls with his sister, Pat. With whom he developed a treasured relationship that was true and honest. William was loved and adored by his entire family and anyone who knew him. Including Bill and Phyllis’s long-time friends, Marvin and Pam, as well as Bruce and Karen, who they spent many evenings eating dinner with and playing cards. William was predeceased by his parents, William Baron and Evelyn (Harris) Chambers, as well as his brother, Gary Chambers, and nephew, Todd Chambers. In addition, he was also predeceased by his wife, Wanda R. Chambers; their daughter, Connie Lee Spurlin; the love of his life, Phyllis J. Chambers; and his stepson, Al Papini. William Chambers was a man of great honor and integrity, wisdom and kindness. He dedicated his life to serving others and would never deny anyone a helping hand. This world is left changed in his absence. His memory is carried on in those he loved and in those who loved him.

For all those who would like to attend the service, it begins with a visitation from 9:30 a.m. to service time, Friday, February 21, 2025, at Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park, with the funeral service at 10:30 a.m., followed by a graveside service with military honors at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL. Visit delehantyfuneralhome.com.

“If I should go tomorrow, it would never be goodbye. For I have left my heart with you, so don't you ever cry. The love that's deep within me, shall reach you from the stars. You'll feel it from the heavens, and it will heal the scars” - Anonymous

“I'll sees you when I sees you” - Skip

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